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The Critical Runway Inspection That Happens in 45 Seconds

Inspectors get 45 seconds to ID and pick up fallen debris, across a whole runway. The smallest stray nut or chunk of rubber could be sucked into an engine and cause serious damage – potentially putting lives at risk. So it is imperative these eagle-eyed operatives don’t miss a thing.

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Explore a unique metropolis—a midair “city” composed of nearly a million people on flights that crisscross the world daily. Meet the hidden army working to keep the city aloft and uncover the exceptional engineering and technology that make it work.

The ‘Jet Men’ rely on the same fundamental laws of physics that underpin flight for even the biggest jet-liners. Unlike your average flight though, they start by leaping from a helicopter to build up enough speed and lift to keep them airborne. It’s a high-risk operation, and has taken years of training to achieve.

Inspectors get 45 seconds to ID and pick up fallen debris, across a whole runway. The smallest stray nut or chunk of rubber could be sucked into an engine and cause serious damage – potentially putting lives at risk. So it is imperative these eagle-eyed operatives don’t miss a thing.

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